How to play pokies
Pokies are simple games, but there are still good and bad ways to play them. Today, we have partnered with Edward Howarth of DashTickets to learn about the most important aspects of these games and ensure you have a good time with them.
Playing pokies the right way
Pokies, or slots, are by far the most popular casino games in existence, and for a good reason. Casinos benefit hugely from their reliability, while players enjoy the simple and addictive gameplay. While pokies may not offer any strategic depth or involve any decision-making outside of inputting money and spinning reels, there are still correct and incorrect ways to play them. Here are some of the most important tips:
Choose the best available games
All slot games come with an in-built RTP, which stands for Return to Player. What that metric means is the percentage of money the game has to return in the form of winnings to players. While it is calculated over the course of hundreds of thousands of spins, it is still an important metric that can indicate just how player-friendly a particular game is.
To put it simply, whenever you have a choice between a game with a lower RTP and a game with a higher one, you should opt for the second, even if you prefer the former for its style, theme, or any other reason. However, if you play for fun and don’t intend to win anything, you might enjoy any game you wish — treating casino games as games rather than ways to profit is a healthy way to look at things.
The same goes for volatility. High-volatility games offer tremendous rewards that you are extremely unlikely to ever get, while low-volatility games offer small rewards that you will get rather often. High-volatility games may feel much more exciting, but it is quite common to simply lose all of your money without getting anything in return, and that is a devastating experience we recommend avoiding.
Use bonuses to your benefit
Most casinos offer multiple different bonuses for slot games, including free spins, no deposit bonuses, and more. While some of them might actually not be that beneficial, you can find great lucrative deals here and there, and it is a good idea to get some extra value from the game when you can. Just remember to always thoroughly read all the Terms and Conditions to ensure that you play by the rules and do not get your winnings voided.
Never chase losses
As soon as you realize that you feel the need to win back the money you spent on the game, you should stop playing and do something else. Impulsive decisions lead to increased losses and even more impulsive decisions — it is a loop that you should avoid at all costs. Problem gambling is a serious issue, and chasing losses is one of the most common symptoms of it. If you feel that it is difficult to control yourself and not give in to the temptation, you should use the self-exclusion features provided by the casino, speak to your friends and relatives about the way you feel, or seek professional help.
